Fundraising

Letter writing tips

TIPS FOR WRITING GREAT FUNDRAISING LETTERS

We have posted some examples of letters that you could use as part of your fundraising campaign. For those of you that are feeling creative, feel free to compose your own customized letter. Below are some great tips on how to write a great fundraising letter!

Keep It Short and Sweet

Remember to keep your fundraising letter short and focused on the event, your goal and of course how the funds raised are used. Ideally your letter should one page or less. The longer the letter is, the lower the chance that it will be read in a timely manner or at all.

Use Personal Greetings

Try not to generalize by using "Dear Friends" or something equivalent in the greeting. If you are sending a letter to Joe Johnston, then greet Joe Johnson. Showing that you've taken the time and care to personally address a potential donor can go a long way towards getting her/him involved.

Bullet Important Points

If there are important points to your fundraising letter that you've expressed in the opening paragraphs, re-summarize them in bullet form in short sentences. This allows people who may scan, instead of read, to learn the important points of The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run fundraising drive without having to read through a huge document.

Be Specific

Ask for the gift amount you are looking for and set a time period within which you need it as well as stating what you need the donations for. However, be sure to add that any donation is always gladly accepted. You don't want people to think it is a $100 dollar donation or nothing at all. Be sure to let them know how to get the donation to you and that cheques can be made payable to “The Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run for Fun Trust”

Praise Previous Donors

If your letter is going out to people who have sponsored you before, be sure to include a sentence or two about how much your appreciate their previous generosity and their continued loyalty to helping women with breast cancer.

Be Clear and Simple

Try not to use huge words or complicated sentence structures. Be clear in your letter and make it easy to read for all potential donors. Avoid using words that may cause some donors to need a dictionary or look up complicated medical definitions.

Don’t forget to have fun!!!!

Our Directors

Suzy Stenoff

Suzy Stenoff Co-founder of the charity (along with Kelly Shires) and is the Coordinator for the Ontario event. She is also the contact for media relations. Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario (where she met Kelly) and currently resides in the Barrie area. Suzy became great friends with Kelly when Kelly was diagnosed breast cancer. Suzy was also a Director and Secretary for her local Chamber of Commerce in Port Sydney for her duration in Muskoka and volunteered with the local snowmobile club. Suzy continues her volunteer work through various projects throughout her community. Suzy began snowmobiling in 1998 on a whim when and bought a snowmobile to try the sport, she has been a Team Leader at the event since it’s inception in 2000.

Brian Fish

Brian Fish became involved in the charity when his wife, radio announcer Kim “Fish” Sparks supported the event. Kim was battling breast cancer and was instantly drawn to Kelly and her story. The two bonded and Brian let Kim have the spotlight while he helped from the sidelines. Kim lost her battle with breast cancer in September 2004 which is when Brian came on Board as a Director for the Charity. His personal experience with breast cancer and the Charity allow him to visualize the goals of the Team. Brian also is the owner and President of Safetynet Inc. bringing his business skills and sense to the Board.

Pam DeBoer

Pam is married with one daughter and has been in the insurance industry for 25 years. Pam first met Kelly in highschool where she was a good friend of Kelly's brother. Through a good friend and neighbor, Pam was reconnected with Kelly at the 3rd Snow Run which was also Pam's first experience snowmobiling. Kelly's strength and spirit were inspiring and she knew right away that thiswould be a charity close to her heart. It was at the 6th Snow Run that Pam met her husband (Chris) Evanshen who is Kelly's cousin. Pam is looking forward to contributing to the continued success of the Snow Run.

Marion Mochrie

Marion Mochrie is married with three children and two grandchildren. Marion and her husband John, have been involved in Snowmobiling since the early 70’s. Marion's background is in Health Care and was a Registered Nurse until 1990, at which the time she retired to work in the family business until now. Marion became involved with Foundation after being approached to help sponsor at the Snow Run, this was through Doug Sagan at Factory Recreation. At that time the Disease had hit very close to home. A very dear family member had just passed away due to Breast Cancer. The first year she volunteered for Registration, after that became very committed to the Foundation. The fact that we are directly help individuals means a great deal to her.